Definition

1. Noun:
   • The secretion of milk by the mammary glands: The biological process in female mammals where milk is produced and secreted from the breasts or udders after giving birth.
   • The period during which milk is secreted: The time following childbirth when lactation occurs and an infant is typically nursed.
   • The act of suckling or feeding an infant from the breast: The action of a baby feeding on milk directly from the mother's breast.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Proper nutrition is important for supporting lactation.
  • The lactation period for humans can last for several years.
  • She sought advice from a consultant about difficulties with lactation.

Advanced Usage

• "Induced lactation": The stimulation of milk production in a woman who has not recently given birth, often for the purpose of adoptive breastfeeding.

  • The mother underwent hormone therapy to achieve induced lactation for her adopted baby.

• "Lactation consultant": A healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.

  • The new parents met with a lactation consultant to address their feeding concerns.

Variants and Related Words

• Lactate (verb): To produce or secrete milk.
  • Mammals lactate to feed their young.
• Lactational (adj): Pertaining to lactation.
  • She experienced lactational amenorrhea.
• Lactiferous (adj): Conveying or producing milk (e.g., lactiferous ducts).

Synonyms

• Milk production: The synthesis and release of milk.
• Suckling: The act of feeding from the breast; can also refer to the period of lactation.
• Nursing: The act of breastfeeding an infant.

Related Phrases

• Lactation failure: The inability to produce a sufficient milk supply.
  • Primary lactation failure is rare but can occur.
• Lactation amenorrhea: The temporary absence of menstrual periods during breastfeeding.
  • Lactation amenorrhea can be a form of postpartum contraception.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly specific and technical; common idioms are not typically associated with it.)

Noun

1. feeding an infant by giving suck at the breast
2. the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
3. the period following birth during which milk is secreted
   • lactation normally continues until weaning